Red Sox executives, including president Sam Kennedy, have defended their decision to trade All-Star slugger Rafael Devers to the Giants, citing alignment issues as the primary reason for the move. Kennedy addressed reporters on Monday night, explaining that Devers’ refusal to change positions made it untenable for him to remain with the team. The trade, which happened just a day prior, has sparked mixed reactions among fans and analysts, with some questioning the rationale behind the decision.
Devers, who was a key player in the Red Sox’s recent success, had been a focal point of the team’s strategy. His decision to decline adjustments to his role, which reportedly involved changes to his batting order or playing position, led to the trade. While the Red Sox have emphasized that the move was necessary for team alignment, critics argue that it may have been a last-minute decision rather than a strategic one.
Kennedy and other executives have maintained that the trade was in the best interests of the team and the players involved. They highlighted the importance of player alignment and team chemistry, suggesting that the decision was not made lightly. However, the lack of detailed information about the specifics of the deal has left many fans and analysts speculating about the true motivations behind the trade.